Generating and Locating NI Package Manager Error Logs

• I would like to troubleshoot an issue with NI Package Manager (NIPM), however I don't know what logs are relevant, how to generate them, or where they are located on disk.
• I have a problem with NI Package Manager (NIPM) and need to obtain a cURL or Networking Log for troubleshooting. How do I create that log file?

Default Error Logs
There are error logs that are enabled and generated by default when an issue occurs with NI Package Manager. They are located locally at:​
C:\Users\<Windows Username>\AppData\Local\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\Logs

Note: By default, the AppData directory is hidden on Windows machines. If you're struggling to find the AppData folder on your system, navigate to C:\Users\<Windows Username>\ and follow Microsoft's directions on this page to show hidden folders.

Configuring additional Error Logs
Two additional logs, cURL log and the MSI log, can also help with troubleshooting issues. To enable or disable these additional logs, use the following commands:

• Enabling MSI Logs:
  "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\nipkg.exe" config-set nipkg.plugin.wininst.msilogs-enabled=true
• Disabling MSI Logs:
  "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\nipkg.exe" config-set nipkg.plugin.wininst.msilogs-enabled=false
• Enabling cURL Logs:
  "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\nipkg.exe" config-set nipkg.curldebugfile-enable=true
• Disabling cURL Logs:
  "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\nipkg.exe" config-set nipkg.curldebugfile-enable=false

After enabling the log generation, you need to cause the error in NI Package Manager again, as logs will only be created when an error is encountered.
These additional error logs will also be placed in ​C:\Users\<Windows Username>\AppData\Local\National Instruments\NI Package Manager\logs.

Note: NI recommends disabling MSI logs after finishing troubleshooting installation issues. Having MSI logs enabled will increase the time it takes to install packages significantly.

Reading NI Package Manager error logs
The NI Package Manager error log files can be difficult to interpret as they include a very detailed protocol of the download and installation process of packages. If you have a failed package that you are troubleshooting, look for an associated error message in the logs, and determine whether it is coming from the server, copying files, installation, or the like.